Author: Veronica Charalambous

The PartnerUp Project has successfully concluded, delivering innovative strategies to enhance the implementation of Upskilling Pathways and foster lifelong learning opportunities for adults across Europe. This collaborative initiative aligns with the European Union’s 2016 Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways, which addresses the pressing need to equip individuals with foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, alongside broader competencies that lead to secondary qualifications or their equivalent.

In support of the EU’s 2025 target to raise adult education participation to 47%, the project engaged over 1,000 stakeholders, promoting policy recommendations and collaboration to enhance adult learners’ skills, career prospects, and social participation.

The project addressed challenges faced by adults with low basic skills, such as limited job opportunities, poverty, and reduced societal involvement. It developed strategies to increase participation in adult education through stakeholder engagement, peer learning, and comprehensive analyses to identify gaps and opportunities in education.

Key outcomes include the creation of implementation plans and cooperation mechanisms, ensuring long-term impact in the field of adult learning.

Key Activities and Achievements

1. Stakeholder Analysis Reports
   The project began with in-depth research to identify gaps and opportunities in adult education across partner countries. Over 760 stakeholders were involved in consultations, peer learning activities, and analysis, including policymakers, educators, and community leaders. These reports shed light on the challenges faced by adults with low qualifications and highlighted best practices to support their inclusion in learning opportunities. Effective strategies for reaching and engaging underserved groups were identified, ensuring that no one was left behind.
2. Development Groups
   A series of consultations from 7 partner EU countries, known as Development Groups, brought together stakeholders from policymaking, education, and community organizations. These discussions fostered trust and collaboration, leading to improved approaches for implementing Upskilling Pathways and ensuring adult learners received the necessary support to advance their skills and qualifications.
3. Implementation Plans & Road Maps
   Based on insights of the stakeholder analyses and Development Groups from 7 partner countries and the EU level, the project developed strategic roadmaps to establish innovative cooperation mechanisms. These Implementation Plans aim to sustain the impact of project activities, promoting long-term engagement in adult learning and ensuring the continued success of Upskilling Pathways.
4. Study Visits and Peer Learning Activities
   PartnerUp organized 8 study visits (face-to-face & online) and peer learning sessions, to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among partner countries, in which more than 200 participants got engaged. These activities provided valuable insights into effective strategies for engaging adult learners and fostered stronger relationships among stakeholders, promoting shared solutions to common challenges.
5. The Virtual Map
   A major achievement of the project is the creation of the Virtual Map, an interactive online repository containing project findings, reports, and summaries. Accessible via each partner country’s flag, this tool offers stakeholders and policymakers a wealth of resources to enhance adult learning across Europe. Explore the Virtual Map at partnerup-project.eu/virtual-map/.

A Collaborative Effort Across Europe

The success of PartnerUp was made possible through the collaboration of a diverse consortium of organizations across Europe, including:

• European Association for the Education of Adults (Belgium)
• CARDET (Cyprus)
• Latvian Adult Education Association & State Education Development Agency (Latvia)
• AONTAS (Ireland)
• European University Continuing Education Network (Belgium)
• Agency for Vocational Education & Training and Adult Education Institution Dante (Croatia)
• ASOCIATIA EURO ADULT EDUCATION (Romania)
• Hellenic Adult Education Association (Greece)
• FORMA.Azione (Italy)

Through cross-border collaboration and actionable strategies, PartnerUp contributed significantly to the implementation of Upskilling Pathways, reinforcing key priorities of the European Skills Agenda and the Renewed Agenda for Adult Learning. This initiative has laid a solid foundation for inclusive, lifelong learning systems that empower adult learners across Europe.

Discover how PartnerUp is shaping the future of adult education at https://partnerup-project.eu/.

On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, stakeholders, policymakers, and education professionals convened online for the final webinar of the PartnerUp Project, titled “PartnerUp & Beyond: Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future”. The event highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in addressing Europe’s evolving educational needs in the context of digital transformation and the green transition.

The webinar focused on innovative strategies for lifelong learning and cross-country cooperation, showcasing how collective efforts can create meaningful solutions to skills development challenges. The PartnerUp Project was celebrated as an example of successful partnerships that are helping to bridge skills gaps and drive progress across sectors.

The keynote speech, “The Importance of Adult Education in Europe”, was delivered by Ms. Klara Engels-Perenyi, Policy Officer for the Skills Agenda at the European Commission, setting the tone by reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to fostering upskilling and reskilling programs. Speakers highlighted evidence-based approaches to skill development and how the PartnerUp Project aligns with EU priorities to transform education systems. 

Key project results and milestones were presented, showcasing its contribution to closing the skills gap across sectors and improving workforce readiness for future challenges. Within this framework, Ms. Tina Mavrič, Head of Capacity Building at EAEA, delivered a presentation titled “PartnerUp: Empowering Growth Through Upskilling & Reskilling in the EU”.

A dynamic panel discussion focused on the driving forces behind the increasing need for upskilling in Europe, including technological advancements and environmental sustainability goals. Panelists, including Ms. Antonela Marjanušić, Project Manager at Adult Education Institution Dante; Ms. Ruby Cooney, Education Projects Officer at AONTAS; Prof. Alexis Kokkos, President of the Hellenic Adult Education Association; Mr. Didzis Poreiters, Department Director at the State Education Development Agency (VIAA); and moderator Dr. Xanthia Aristidou, Senior Project Manager – Researcher at CARDET, discussed how the PartnerUp Project has addressed these needs, particularly through cross-country collaboration. Panelists shared insights into how collaborative efforts within the PartnerUp Project have resulted in innovative approaches to skill development and training across different sectors and countries.

The webinar also addressed how to ensure inclusivity in upskilling initiatives, with a focus on providing access for marginalized communities, workers with disabilities, and individuals in remote areas. Best practices for overcoming these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of skills programs were shared with participants.

In the closing remarks, speakers reflected on the future of upskilling in Europe, discussing how EU funding and policy frameworks continue to drive innovation and support collaborative projects. The PartnerUp Project was celebrated as a model of successful collaboration, providing valuable lessons for future initiatives aimed at fostering lifelong learning across Europe.

Attendees left with actionable insights on how to continue championing collaboration and lifelong learning, ensuring that educational solutions remain responsive to evolving challenges.

You can watch the full webinar on YouTube here.

Learn more about the PartnerUp Project, here.